The Queen´s Gambit Accepted, commonly abbreviated to QGA, is a chess opening characterized by the opening moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. Black´s capture of the white c-pawn may also occur one or two moves later.

The Queen´s Gambit is not a real gambit, since Black cannot count on keeping the extra pawn. White can take the pawn back immediately by playing 3.Qa4+ Nc6 4.e3 and Black cannot hold on to the c-pawn. However, since playing like this develops the queen prematurely, White usually plays more patiently (see Main variations below).

As Black´s 2...dxc4 surrenders the centre early on in the game, White will try to seize space in the centre and use it to launch an attack on the black position. Black´s game is not devoid of counterchances, however. If the White centre can be kept at bay, Black will try to weaken White´s centre pawns, using that to gain an advantage in the ensuing endgame. Usually this will be done by playing ...c5 and ...cxd4 at some stage, and if White responds with an exd4 recapture White will have an isolated pawn on the d-file. Such positions give both players chances to win. If White tries to avoid getting an isolated pawn the centre will be liquidated and a fairly even game will ensue.

The Queen´s Gambit Accepted is not the main line of play after 1.d4 d5 2.c4. It is the third most popular option, behind 2. ...e6 (the Queen´s Gambit Declined), and 2. ...c6, the Slav Defense. In both of these variations slow and subtle manoeuvres are necessary to complete development. White will try to exploit an advantage in space and development, while Black will defend the position and push for Queenside counterplay.

Main variations

After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4

3.Nf3 leads to the main lines of the QGA. White ignores the pawn for the moment, develops a knight and prevents Black from striking at the centre with 4...e5. The recovery of the pawn will usually be by means of e3 and Bxc4.

3.e3 is another common move, particularly in club play. The move prepares immediate recovery of the pawn with the bishop.

3.e4 is a newer line, aggressively making a bid for central control which Black will try to undermine.